A fire that started at Theodore Roosevelt High School in Boyle Heights Wednesday morning was deemed “suspicious” and an arson investigation was underway, officials said.
The fire broke out about 4 a.m. outside a structure described as a bungalow at the school located in the 400 block of South Mathews Street (map), according to Capt. Christopher Aguirre of the Los Angeles Fire Department.
Arriving firefighters saw heavy fire burning the exterior of the bungalow, but managed to extinguish the flames and keep damage to the building minimal, Aguirre said.
Officials determined the fire to be “suspicious” and an arson investigation team was called to the scene, Aguirre said.
A chain link fence surrounded the bungalow making access to the structure difficult.
“Somebody had to make entry to accomplish what they did,” Aguirre said.
Video also showed a trashcan burning in a courtyard area near the bungalow.
The school was expected to be open for classes Wednesday morning, according to Aguirre.